Today is the first day of the second Ultimate Blogging Challenge of the year. It’s also week thirteen of Inktober 52, and it’s day 39 of the 100-day art project. The theme for day 39 is “what you take away.” Here are some ideas of things that you could remove that you wouldn’t miss: comparing yourself to others and self criticism. Generally, we tend to be our own worst critics. If anyone else talked to us in the way we talk to ourselves, we would invite them to enjoy a very long walk off a very short pier. Why do we accept the kind of talk from ourselves that would get anyone else in serious jeapordy? What can I say but be nice to you. You deserve niceness and love, especially from yourself. The non constructive self criticism does not belong in your vocabulary. Your creative journey belongs to you and only you. It’s nice to admire other people’s work and to congratulate other people for their creativity. But, when you look at your own work, don’t compare yourself with anyone but you. That way, you can feel joy when you realize the progress that you’ve made during your journey. Growth is what it’s all about, and you’re never too young or too old to grow your imagination and to express that imagination in whatever format is right for you.
For me, the formats that feel right to express my imagination are with words and pictures. I see myself as a storyteller. I remember, when I was very young, I liked to tell stories that disappeared over time. I wrote on blackboards or sand. There was something about impermanence that I really loved. I still love it, but, now, I also love sharing stories that other people can keep.
Here is my Inktober 52 drawing for the week. The prompt is “window.” I was so happy when I saw that prompt because I love windows. They are little openings into people’s worlds. Even when you don’t see much besides curtains or blinds, there is that special something about windows. It could be that there is elements of both permanence and impermanence. The structure doesn’t change much, but you could change the curtains or plant different plants in the plant box or paint the windowsill a different color. So, for now, you’ll see those interesting shutters or a windowbox full of plants. Maybe there’s a catio. Oh, I wish that I could have a catio. Trinity would love a catio. It would make her little cat heart go pitter patter.
Here is Bearnacle. He’s watching out the window, wondering what awaits him in the big world. I love watching out windows and wondering what is going to come by. There’s a house that’s not too far from me. It was placed at an odd angle. If you look out the big window, the thing that you’re going to watch is the traffic light. And yes, I would stand there all day and watch the traffic light change color. It’s mesmerizing, to be sure.
What do you see when you look out of your window?
I love your window, Alice and Bearnacle. You are a such a good storyteller, too. I love your message about how we talk to ourselves. This year I haven’t been keeping up with the 100dayproject. I’m ok with it. I haven’t completely abandon it. I’m admiring you for keeping up with your projects.
Thank you so much, Lily. I don’t post my pictures daily for the 100 day project. It’s been… challenging!
Alice, you raise so many great points today. Yes, it makes life very different when we speak to ourselves lovingly and with approval. God is working with me on that very thing. While our self-talk style may be greatly shaped by our younger years, God’s opinion is that we are precious and worthy all of the time. We are doing our best. I’m working on accepting that God’s opinion is more important than anyone else’s. Say hi to Bearnacle for me!
Kebba, thank you so much for this kind and thoughtful response. I feel that God makes us to be wonderful and unique and radiant, and that’s true, even when we don’t see it at all. I am so thankful for the people who I have had the good fortune to encounter, including you. I will say hi to Bearnacle. Also to Trinity so she doesn’t get jealous, lol.